Oluga promises bold hospital reforms as KNH gets acting CEO

Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga speaks during the handing over of the KNH CEO position at the hospital's premises on August 19, 2025. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]

Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to comprehensive hospital reforms, describing them as crucial to improving service delivery, sustainability, and patient outcomes across the country.

Oluga stressed that the reforms will ensure hospitals align with the Social Health Authority tariffs and benefit packages while delivering quality and compassionate care.

Speaking on Tuesday during the handover ceremony of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) leadership, where Dr Richard Lesyampe assumed office from outgoing CEO Dr Evanson Kamuri, the PS said hospitals must not only treat patients but also guarantee a dignified and seamless experience.

“We are moving into an era where we do not just want care, we want quality care,” he emphasised. “Patients must have a clear path in hospitals—where they start, who they see, and how they are treated. They must leave not only healed but also with dignity and respect.”

The reforms include strengthening staffing and human resource structures, ensuring availability of essential medicines, and embracing digitization to boost efficiency and accountability.

Sustainability, Oluga explained, will be achieved through improved revenue generation, better alignment of services with benefit packages, and stronger governance systems that empower hospital boards to provide strategic leadership.

He urged hospitals to work more closely with their surrounding communities. The high number of referrals to KNH, he observed, highlights weaknesses in lower-level facilities that must be equipped and trained to handle cases that do not require referral.

“We want hospitals like Kenyatta to mentor others, so patients can receive quality care closer to home,’’ he said.

Financial constraints however, remain a major obstacle in the health sector. Oluga disclosed that KNH recently faced a budget cut of Sh3 billion, noting that hospitals must innovate to sustain services.

He, however, assured the incoming CEO of the ministry’s full support,

“Your in-tray is full. There are many projects to complete, and 2,500 staff members rely on your leadership so that patients who walk in here have their tears wiped and leave with their health restored. But you will not carry this burden alone.”

The PS commended Dr Kamuri for his years of dedicated service, citing his role in expanding services in informal settlements and operationalising new facilities, and expressed confidence that his expertise would continue to benefit the sector.

He, however, voiced confidence in Dr Lesyampe’s experience and track record in hospital administration, adding that expectations were high for him to build on the foundation already laid.

Kamuri has been the CEO at the facility for the past six years and is currently on leave, awaiting his exit in October.

“I thank the government for giving me the chance to lead this hospital for the past six years, and as my term comes to an end, I want to urge the great staff of KNH to continue serving the people selflessly without relenting," said Kamuri.

Oluga emphasised KNH’s central place in the reform agenda. "This institution remains central to our reforms. It is here to serve, here to stay, and here to show the face of our healthcare system.”